Clashes, stone-pelting in Kashmir

Restive Valley: Protesters raise Pak, LeT flags in Srinagar

Protesters pelted stones and clashed with security forces in several parts of Kashmir Valley post Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on Saturday as authorities placed separatist leaders under house arrest.

Reports said soon after Eid prayers, angry youth raising anti-India slogans, assembled in various parts of Srinagar city and threw stones on security forces who responded with tear gas shells.

Hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani had asked people to organise protests after the Eid prayers against the “oppression of government”. Fearing law and order problems, authorities placed Geelani, moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chief Yasin Malik under house arrest.

A group of masked youth also raised Pakistani and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) flags during the protests outside Eidgah, Srinagar’s main prayer ground, reports said.

Incidents of stone-pelting were also reported from Lal Chowk, the heart of Srinagar, as well as from uptown Hyderpora. Reports of similar protests were received from south Kashmir’s Anantnag town, 55 km from here. Protesters hurled stones at security forces in which scores of people, including cops, were injured. Inspector General Police (IGP), Kashmir, SJM Gilani told reporters that the situation was peaceful across the valley barring a few minor incidents. “There were incidents of stone pelting in Eidgah (Srinagar) and in Lal-chowk, Anantnag,” he said.

The IGP said they have registered a case after a Pakistani flag was raised inside the Eidgah on Saturday.

Mirwaiz, also Kashmir’s head priest, was scheduled to lead prayers of thousands of devotees at the Eidgah. As police didn’t allow him to move from his Nigeen residence, Mirwaiz, addressed the congregation over phone.

“There is no option but to address the Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of the people. Both India and Pakistan should initiate meaningful dialogue over Kashmir,” he told the gathering. He also urged both India and Pakistan to immediately stop firing on the Line of Control.